Our Work
To find out more about how we can help you please read about some of our successful projects below:
Stour Valley Educational Trust Join Anglian Learning

Stour Valley Educational Trust (SVET), located in Suffolk, was a Multi-Academy Trust that included Clare Community Primary School and Stour Valley Community School. Following rigorous research and due diligence Stour Valley Education Trust (SVET) resolved to merge with Anglian Learning. Gail Khan Associates were project managers for both Trusts facilitating a seamless transfer for both schools and Trusts which was successfully realised on the 1 March 2025. 

GKA played a critical role throughout the transfer process, oversight of stakeholder consultation, and providing project management for the application to the Department for Education (DfE). Following approval from the DfE Advisory Board, GKA continued to support both trusts through a seamless transition, liaising with legal teams and the DfE, managing risk, guiding human resources processes, and ensuring the onboarding of staff and systems was in place for day one.  

GKA ensured a rigorous project plan was in place for both Trusts and this was monitored through a leadership steering group. Trustees at SVET were kept updated through reporting from the Steering Group and GKA as the Project Managers. 

The formal transfer of Stour Valley Educational Trust to Anglian Learning was successfully completed on time for the 1 March 2025.  

Jonathan Culpin, CEO of Anglian Learning

“We are excited to welcome Stour Valley Educational Trust into the Anglian Learning family. With our trusted partner, Gail Khan Associates, project management support, we’ve been able to navigate the integration process smoothly and on time.” 

yorkshire learning trust merger – Phase 1, application APPROVAL

South York Multi Academy Trust (SYMAT) and The STAR Multi Academy Trust (STAR), two well-established academy trusts in North Yorkshire, embarked on a strategic merger to form a new, larger multi-academy trust for the region. Both existing trusts are mixed MATs and include Church of England schools. Their goal was to consolidate strengths, identify efficiencies, and enhance school improvement capacity across a wider network. 

GKA was commissioned in October 2024 to provide independent project management support, covering the DfE application process, comprehensive due diligence, stakeholder consultation, and executive structure planning. 

Together, SYMAT and STAR oversee 17 schools, with 7,000 students and 1,000 staff. They share a commitment to their values including inclusion, collaboration, aspiration, and integrity. The merger was driven by a common educational vision and leadership approach, a desire to strengthen long-term sustainability, and an opportunity to deliver greater impact at scale. The Department for Education had also encouraged trust consolidation to promote more resilient and effective MATs.

GKA provided end-to-end project management support for the merger across five key areas: 

  • DfE Application – Managed all aspects of the formal submission, including document collation, formatting, timeline planning, and coordination with key stakeholders. 
  • Due Diligence – Conducted thorough reviews across finance, HR, and estates to inform risk planning and support trust board assurance. 
  • Stakeholder Engagement – Delivered a multi-strand engagement strategy including producing comprehensive engagement materials, managing staff and stakeholder meetings, online surveys, FAQs, and a final engagement report and Q&A document. 
  • Executive Structure Planning – Facilitated leadership planning to support governance and operational continuity in the new MAT. 
  • Overarching project support – GKA worked directly with both trust leadership teams, chairs of the boards, and a project steering group to scope and manage the project. A detailed merger project plan was developed and maintained, with progress reviewed in regular meetings at multiple levels.

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Impact

  • The Department for Education formally approved the merger in March 2025 with no conditions. 
  • Staff and stakeholder engagement was strong, with feedback highlighting opportunities in collaboration, financial benefits, and improved staff and student experiences. 
  • Concerns raised during consultation (such as maintaining autonomy, communication, and job security) were acknowledged and addressed in project plans. 
  • GKA’s oversight allowed leaders to maintain focus on delivering core educational priorities during the transition. 
  • GKA will continue to support the trusts through the next phase of merger implementation to September 2025, including delivery of a comprehensive onboarding programme for year one and beyond. 

Ian Yapp, Chief Executive Officer at STAR

“Building on the work of our respective Boards, GKA’s guidance and methodical approach to project planning has meant we have been able to plan with confidence which ultimately led to approval of the merger by the Department for Education at the first attempt. GKA will now support the planning for phase 2 – realising Yorkshire Learning Trust. They gave us so much confidence that everything was under control at every stage of the process, and we look forward to our continued work to achieve the merger in the autumn term.”  

Three Spires Trust – Multi Academy Trust Formation, Mergers and Growth

In 2019, Gail Khan Associates (GKA) began working with the Lichfield Diocesan Board of Education to provide project management support for the establishment of a new Multi Academy Trust (MAT) and associated Academy conversions. GKA supported the Lichfield Diocesan Board of Education in preparing the application to the Department for Education (DfE) to set up a new MAT which would be known as Three Spires Trust. The Three Spires Trust officially launched on 22 January 2021, following a detailed and structured planning phase. GKA played a key role throughout the process, working closely with Lichfield Diocesan Board of Education and the schools involved to ensure seamless integration into the new Trust.  

GKA’s project management team provided end-to-end support to ensure the successful formation of the new MAT.  GKA guided the Lichfield Diocesan Board of Education in preparing the necessary documentation and application to the Department for Education (DfE), meeting all required standards and criteria for the formation of a new MAT.  GKA meticulously monitored the risk register throughout the project, identifying potential challenges and developing mitigation strategies to ensure the project remained on track. They facilitated key consultations with staff, parents, governors and other stakeholders to ensure smooth transitions and alignment with legal and regulatory requirements.  GKA provided expert legal support throughout the project, ensuring that all processes were compliant with regulations, including matters related to HR and TUPE (Transfer of Undertakings Protection of Employment).   The GKA team also led the recruitment of the central team for the Trust, including vital roles such as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Chief Financial Officer (CFO), ensuring the Trust had the right leadership and expertise in place.  

The successful formation of the Three Spires Trust marked a significant milestone in uniting schools under a shared commitment to high-quality education, strong governance, and tailored support. GKA played a pivotal role in ensuring the smooth integration of multiple schools, each with distinct needs and challenges, into the new Trust. A key achievement was the establishment of a robust leadership team, including the recruitment of essential roles such as the CEO and CFO, to guide the Trust’s strategic direction. As the Trust continued to grow, welcoming additional schools over time, its regional impact and collaborative strength expanded. This project stands as a clear example of how GKA’s expertise in project management, legal guidance, and leadership recruitment can drive the successful creation and development of a Multi Academy Trust. 

Emily Verow, Chief Executive Officer

“Partnering with Gail Khan Associates has been instrumental in the creation and growth of the Three Spires Trust. Their expertise and hands-on approach ensured that every aspect of the process, from the initial application to the formation and expansion of the MAT, was managed with precision and care. The value GKA brought to our project extended far beyond project management; they provided vital strategic guidance, mitigated risks, and helped us recruit exceptional leadership for the Trust. Their support has been invaluable in turning our vision into a reality, and their ongoing contribution continues to be a driving force behind our success.”  

Smart Multi Academy Trust - Growth and Onboarding Projects

GKA were approached by Smart Trust in 2023 to support the Trust’s first growth projects as they looked to convert and onboard four new schools in 2024, across two new geographical areas. The central team at Smart Trust required additional capacity and specialist support to develop their skills, knowledge and understanding of conversion processes, which would allow them to manage aspects of future projects internally. 

GKA offered specialist support in two key areas project management and onboarding and due diligence and finance. GKA provided Smart with a project structure and suite of documents including project plan, risk registers, terms of reference, facilitation of working groups, oversight of legals as well as facilitating consultation. GKA developed a Trust onboarding plan and worked collaboratively with Smart to agree school specific plans and briefed their central teams in preparation for the implementation phase.  

In terms of due diligence, GKA undertook a comprehensive due diligence process, put in place a central online portal to manage documents and developed individual reports for Trust Board review. Further work was undertaken by GKA on financial modelling, ensuring long term viability and sustainability of all schools. GKA reviewed school budgets to ensure accuracy and that they were fit for purpose. Risks were identified and mitigations put in place, allowing the Trust Board to make informed decisions. 

The impact of the work carried out by GKA enabled strong and timely communications with both Smart and the schools feeling supported during delivery.  Barriers to conversion were identified early and clear risks managed by senior leaders and governors where needed with decision-making being timely and fit for purpose. The first of the four schools is due to open as an academy in Smart in July 2024. 

Colin Lofthouse, CEO Smart Multi Academy Trust

“This is a really exciting period of growth for Smart but equally quite daunting when doing it for the first time! GKA were referred to us as academy experts and we can’t recommend them highly enough. They have provided clarity, reassurance and capacity when we have required it whilst also developing our teams knowledge and understanding for which we are very grateful.”

Cavendish Learning Trust and Minerva Learning Trust - MAT Merger

In early 2023, Cavendish Learning Trust (CLT) began considering a merger with a larger trust as a strategic move to support their growth and development. After receiving a list of potential Multi-Academy Trusts (MATs) from the Department for Education (DfE), CLT sought the expertise of Gail Khan Associates (GKA) to conduct a two-stage options appraisal and due diligence process. The goal was to create a shortlist of suitable MATs to approach for further discussions regarding a potential merger. 

Stage 1: Options Appraisal and Longlist Reduction  

GKA led the forensic intelligence gathering necessary to evaluate the potential trusts and create a strategic recommendation. The process involved:  

  • Data Collection and Analysis: GKA conducted a thorough analysis, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of each trust.  
  • Key Lines of Enquiry (KLOE): Six critical areas were identified to guide the review, including trust locality, governance, vision and values, performance, finance, and reputation.  

Using this framework, GKA began evaluating the longlist of 30 MATs initially shared by the DfE. In consultation with CLT’s Project Group (which included Trustees) and Executive Team, a broad reduction criterion was applied, which included:  

  • Excluding trusts with more than 20 academies to maintain cultural integrity.  
  • Removing trusts with fewer than 6 academies, as smaller trusts may lack the capacity to support CLT’s school improvement journey.  
  • Eliminating trusts that were not cross-phase to ensure they could support all educational phases.  

This approach reduced the longlist from 30 to 14 trusts. Exceptions were made where local intelligence suggested a trust should still be considered, even if it did not meet all criteria.  

Stage 2: Shortlist Development and Initial Contact  

GKA continued its detailed evaluation of the 14 shortlisted MATs using the six KLOEs. This process was designed to provide a robust understanding of each trust’s governance, performance, financial health, and overall alignment with CLT’s values. GKA then discreetly contacted each trust to assess their interest in a potential merger.  

The top-scoring trusts were contacted to gauge their appetite for growth. Those that expressed openness to further discussions were shortlisted for the next stage. At this point, the MATs contacted were unaware of the identity of the trust GKA was representing, ensuring confidentiality and strategic discretion.  

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Selection of Minerva Learning Trust  

Following the detailed options appraisal, Minerva Learning Trust (MLT) was identified as the preferred partner for CLT. GKA then facilitated further discussions and supported CLT in evaluating MLT as a merger candidate.  

Detailed Due Diligence: Minerva Learning Trust  

Once MLT was identified as the preferred partner, GKA conducted an in-depth due diligence exercise to ensure the strategic fit. This process covered:  

  • Education performance and school improvement initiatives.  
  • Financial health and governance structures.  
  • HR, H&S, estates management / compliance, IT infrastructure, safeguarding practices, and GDPR.  

GKA’s due diligence confirmed that MLT’s governance, vision, and capacity aligned with CLT’s strategic objectives, paving the way for the merger.  

Detailed Due Diligence: Cavendish Learning Trust  

After both parties resolved to proceed with the merger, GKA was commissioned by MLT to conduct detailed due diligence on CLT. A comprehensive 131-page report was submitted to MLT’s board in December 2023. This report provided insights into CLT’s performance in education, HR, finance, health and safety, estates, IT, safeguarding, GDPR, and governance.  

Post-Due Diligence: Project Management and Merger Delivery  

Following the successful due diligence, GKA continued its involvement by project managing the entire merger process. This involved navigating the complexities of bringing together two organisations with distinct cultures and systems. GKA took charge of coordinating legal requirements, ensuring full compliance with regulations, and managing communications with key stakeholders, including the respective Boards.  

By acting as the central liaison, GKA ensured that the merger progressed smoothly, managing risk, addressing concerns, and maintaining momentum towards a successful integration. This also included working closely with DfE Officers, legal teams, overseeing stakeholder engagement, and ensuring a cohesive transition plan that aligned with both trusts’ strategic goals. 

John Doyle – Chair of Trustees, Minerva Learning Trust

“GKA have been brilliant right from the start and helped us achieve this important milestone for both academies, we can go forward with confidence in a new jointly developed organisation. Thank you so much for all your hard work and very skilled guidance.” 

Bev Matthews – CEO, Minerva Learning Trust

“Thank you to everyone at GKA. It has been a fantastic partnership which has brought our ambition to fruition.” 

Gilbert Ward Academy - New Special Free School (SEMH)

GKA supported Prosper Learning Trust with their growth plan and application for a fifth school, Gilbert Ward Academy, in late 2019.  In May 2020, the Department for Education approved the application for Prosper Learning Trust as the preferred academy trust to deliver a new Special Free School in Northumberland for children aged 11-16 with Social Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs and autism. Following approval of the feasibility and outline plans for the capital build project the Trust were able to move forward with the statutory consultation.  

GKA provided advice and guidance on the contractual arrangements, overseeing the consultation process, setting up governance arrangements, supporting the development of an education brief, and overseeing the build project. The build project had a challenging timescale from the start and a temporary solution to house the school from September 2023 was required. The school opened in September 2023 in community centre provision and the new build was handed over to the Trust in January 2024.  GKA were able to support Prosper Learning Trust through this complex process.  

CHRIS RICHARDSON, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER PROSPER LEARNING TRUST

“GKA supported the Trust through every phase of the Free School process which culminated in the opening of Gilbert Ward Academy in September 2023. Their engagement with the project started years earlier when they coordinated the writing of the initial bid to the DfE, providing a detailed project plan for the bidding process and a continual loop of quality assurance activity based on their extensive experience of the sector and the process. This included support for and participation in the DfE interview which resulted in the Trust being appointed as the lead partner in the project. GKA then supported us through the entire pre-opening phase by once again producing and monitoring a sophisticated project plan and supporting the steering group and associated committees which transitioned the school to its successful opening. 

GKA are experts in this field. They have an intuitive understanding of the guidance and regulations and extensive contacts in associated organisations. They marry this with robust internal protocols around project planning, management and quality assurance. They work hard, meet deadlines and deliver their service to a consistently high standard. Importantly they instill confidence in all the relevant stakeholders and are responsive and approachable at all times.  

GKA have now supported Prosper Learning Trust with two successful Free Schools and are currently supporting a third into its pre-opening phase.”

OAKBRIDGE CHURCH OF ENGLAND PRIMARY SCHOOL - New Primary Free School

Dales Academies Trust, supported by GKA, successfully applied to sponsor a new Primary Free School in North Northallerton, which was proposed by North Yorkshire County Council to fulfil an anticipated shortfall in pupil places once new homes in the town were built. The new school will offer 210 primary places to children aged 4-11 years.  

GKA were commissioned in 2021 to project manage the pre-opening phase and development of the new Primary Free School – Oakbridge Church of England Primary School. GKA guided Dales through the Free School process and contractual arrangements, liaising with the DfE and LA, setting up governance structures (including a ‘Friends Committee’ who will act as a fundraising body for the school), oversaw the development of the education brief, led procurement of ICT and FF&E contracts and managed the stakeholder consultation.   

Working alongside the LA, GKA maintained oversight of the build project, ensuring everything was on track. The new building is due to be handed over at the end of June this year and the first intake of Reception children will join Oakbridge CofE Primary School in September 2024.   

DAMIAN CHUBB, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, DALES ACADEMIES TRUST

“GKA have worked with Dales since its formation in 2017 and were instrumental in the successful application for the new school. They have been an extended member of our team leading on key aspects of the project, particularly in the areas of the build, consultation and compliance. We are on track to open on time; GKA’s final activities will include managing the build handover, FF&E delivery and ICT install, as well as community engagement.”

Harry Watts Academy - New Special Free School (ASD)

Following writing a successful application to sponsor the new school GKA supported Prosper Learning Trust in project managing the pre-opening phase/development of a new Special Free School – Harry Watts Academy, in Sunderland in 2019.   The new school was commissioned by the local authority to provide specialist education for up to 96 autistic children aged 5-16, as a direct result of the increased demand for autism places within Sunderland and neighbouring authorities. The school would complement existing provision, responding to both pupil place planning pressure and parental demand. 

GKA led the project management of the development of the new school, from liaising with the DfE and LA on contractual arrangements to managing the consultation process to the handover of keys to the new build.  Work undertaken included setting up governance arrangements, development of an education brief, procurement of ICT and Fixtures Furniture & Equipment contracts, overseeing the marketing and communications and liaison with the Local Authority on the build project. The build was during Covid, which created additional challenges to the project in terms of delivery.  The school opened on time at a temporary site in September 2020 and the new build was handed over in December 2020 and opened in January 2021.  The school retained the temporary site and now operates across both and has 170 pupils and was judged Outstanding in its first inspection in 2023. 

JOANNE CLIFFORD-SWAN, MEMBER AND CHAIR OF TRUSTEES, PROSPER LEARNING TRUST

“GKA supported us through the entire process from application, interview and pre-opening through to opening on a temporary site to subsequently opening the new school. With numerous challenges during the process due to Covid GKA were unphased and solutions focused, guiding us through the project through to delivery.  Key deliverables included; procurement of major ICT and FF&E contracts, appointment of a PD and a successful pre-opening Ofsted.”

ELEMENTS ACADEMY - New Special Free School (SEMH)

In 2021, GKA supported Ethos Academy Trust in submitting an application to sponsor a new special free school in Rotherham.  In February 2022 the Department for Education approved the application from Ethos Academy Trust to be the preferred partner to deliver the new school for 125 pupils aged 7-16 years with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs. 

GKA project managed the new free school from consultation, TUPE and through to completion, liaising with Rotherham Council to facilitate the procurement of all the ICT, furniture and equipment, this involved working closely with Rotherham Council to ensure that the building was fit for purpose for an alternative provision academy with suitable safety features (CCTV, gates, anti-climb paint and devices etc).  GKA also managed the recruitment of over 35 staff, screening candidates and completing safer recruitment and DBS checks through the summer to ensure that all staff were cleared to begin work when the school opened. 

Element Academy successfully opened to pupils in September 2022. 

JAYNE FOSTER, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, ETHOS ACADEMY TRUST

“We have worked with GKA since 2017 – prior to the formation of Ethos Academy Trust. Their work with us at Elements Academy was exemplary and without them we would not have achieved the extremely challenging timeframe of delivery within 8 months from start to finish! The team was professional and really guided us through our first free school project with great care and rigour.”

Venn Academy Trust - Trust Growth

GKA supported the establishment of Venn Academy Trust back in 2015. Originally a small Trust with 4 schools with limited central resource, they are now on track to secure an additional 6 schools by 2026, taking their overall number of schools to 20.   

Initially, GKA supported Venn Academy Trust with a range of specialist support including working alongside the CEO and Board to develop a Trust Business Plan with a clear Growth strategy. GKA set up governance structures and policies and engaged with trade unions to ensure systems/processes were robust and fit for purpose. GKA then led successful funding applications, including school improvement and capacity grants, resulting in six figures of funding being obtained. In 2017, GKA also drove the recruitment of the Trust Director of School Improvement and the Senior HR Business Partner, two key roles to the continued growth of the organisation. Throughout the 9 years since formation to date GKA has also managed all Trust conversions. 

GKA successfully led the writing of a successful free school application and the pre-opening phase for Euler Academy which opened in 2021. 

SIMON WITHAM, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, VENN ACADEMY TRUST

“Colleagues at GKA are an integral part of our capacity in Venn and have been since day one, they have contributed to the success we are today. Their knowledge and understanding of MAT’s is exemplary and we value the breadth of the support they offer the Venn team at any point when we need it.”

Three Spires Trust - Formation of new Multi Academy Trust

In December 2020, Andrew Warren the RSC for the West Midlands approved the formation of the new Three Spires Trust.  Formed by the Diocese of Lichfield and working alongside Gail Khan Associates the new Trust (Three Spires) opened its doors to schools in April 2021.  Initially the Trust is proposed to comprise of four schools with three now already in the Trust, these includes; St Peter’s Collegiate Academy, The King’s Wolverhampton (joined 1 May 2021), St Thomas CofE Primary Academy, Kidsgrove and The King’s CofE Academy, Kidsgrove (both joined 1 April 2021).

Venerable Dr David Lee, Chair of the Trust Board

“The task to form a new Trust from scratch and convert 3 schools all in 3 months was a huge job and I am certain that without the help of Gail Khan Associates we would have struggled to achieve it. The team provided a structure and framework to work within ensuring we followed detailed processes and delivered on time.  GKA communications throughout were second to none.  Knowing we had this expertise and capacity to call on meant we could concentrate on developing our education, finance and governance structures so they were fit for purpose and robust from day one.  The team at GKA brought best practice to the Trust, whether additional expertise during recruitment, procurement processes or developing our own internal resource – all of which we are really grateful for.  We would happily use GKA again – thank you for everything.”

Together Learning Trust - Creation of a new Multi Academy Trust in Calderdale & Kirklees

In November 2017, GKA were asked to project manage the facilitation of the creation of a new Multi Academy Trust across Calderdale & Kirklees.  The new trust called Together Learning Trust consists of 5 schools (primary and secondary) including 2 PFI schools.  The new MAT opened on 1 April 2019 with the first 5 schools all in the MAT by the 1 September 2019.  GKA were also instrumental in organising the recruitment of the new CEO and CFO of the Trust.

David Lord, Chief Executive Officer, Together Learning Trust

“Gail and Melanie were fantastic support for our team and the Board of Trustees throughout our journey to become a MAT.  Their organisation and co-ordination kept us on track ensuring we achieved all deadlines required and ultimately that our Trust was formed on time with all 5 founder schools on board for 1 September.  Friendly, knowledgeable, exceptionally diligent but most of all perceptive to the exact requirements to the huge range of audiences being engaged.  Nothing was too much trouble.  Top Class!”

Dales Academies Trust - Creation of New Church of England Multi-Academy Trust in North Yorkshire

In April 2017, GKA were commissioned to deliver a new Church of England MAT in North Yorkshire.  Consisting of 10 schools (1 secondary and 9 primary) the new MAT opened on time in November 2017.  GKA were responsible for overall project management leading on consultation, HR, legal and project tasks.  We are pleased to say the project was delivered on time and within budget.

Since forming the Trust, GKA have managed 4 further school conversions with the latest school Carnagill Primary joining Dales on 1 April 2020.

Damian Chubb, Chief Executive Officer, Dales Academies Trust

“GKA delivered a structure and framework to enable the schools to clearly see what was needed and by when.  The team provided clarity on roles and responsibilities and associated deadlines, enabling leaders to lead their schools whilst conversion ran in parallel led by Gail and her team.  GKA are an extremely supportive project management company and we look forward to working with them in the future.”

For more case studies, please see our archive below:
Case Study Archive
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